Mass. Native Killed in New Mexico Avalanche

A Massachusetts man was killed during an avalanche at a New Mexico ski resort.

(Published Friday, Jan. 18, 2019)

A Massachusetts man has been identified as one of the victims who died after an avalanche rushed down a mountainside at a New Mexico ski resort on Thursday.

The avalanche near the highest peak of Taos Ski Valley happened around 11:30 a.m.

NBC10 Boston has confirmed Matt Zonghetti, the man who was killed, was a graduate of Mansfield High School.

"He had, like, the heart of a champion. He was smart, he had such great pride and determination," Michael Redding, Zonghetti's former high school football coach, told NBC10 Boston. "He was going to have such a positive influence on the world, and that's the most tragic thing."

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Superintendent of Schools Teresa Murphy released a statement following the tragic news.

"Matt Zonghetti was an outstanding Mansfield High School student-athlete and citizen, We are proud to consider him one of our own. His death is a tragic loss and our school community is heartbroken," read the statement.

"The Wake Forest University campus community is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Matt Zonghetti ('14). We offer our condolences and support to his friends and family at this difficult time," read another statement from the college he attended.

Two other skiers were pulled from the snow after a roughly 20-minute rescue effort, according to a resort spokesman.

A representative from Taos Ski Valley released a statement saying they were conducting a review of what happened as "a situation like this has never happened."

"We don't have details to share at this time, but we are committed to doing a diligent and exhaustive review," read the statement. "Our hearts go out to the skiers and their families and friends who were affected by yesterday's accident, as well as to all the volunteers, staff and community members who are mourning with us."